Talk to Margaret

Questions people ask before getting in touch

Does the first conversation cost anything?

No. There is no charge for the conversation, and nothing is decided in it. Sending a note or booking a time does not bind coverage or commit you to anything. The first conversation is where we work out what you actually need, because availability, underwriting and pricing vary by insurer and by your circumstances.

Will you try to sell me a policy?

Not before we know there is a gap, and not at all if there isn't one. We look at what you already have first, and products come into it only once that is clear. Sometimes the honest answer is that you are adequately covered and should keep your money. If that's where we land, I will say so. There's no pressure to decide in the first conversation, or at all.

What happens after I send a note?

Three things, in this order. You tell me roughly what changed: a new baby, a house, a policy you can't make sense of, a retirement date coming into view. Roughly is fine. Then we look at what you already have, what you owe and who depends on you, and the gap, if there is one, comes out of that. Then you decide, in your own time. If there is a gap worth closing, you see the options and what each costs.

Can you look at a policy I bought somewhere else, years ago?

Yes. Policies bought elsewhere, years ago, that nobody has looked at since are part of what I review. On a life policy I check four things: who the beneficiaries are, since they don't update themselves after a marriage, a divorce or a death; whether the amount still matches what you owe; whether the premium stays level or is scheduled to rise, and when a term policy ends; and whether the policy is still in force.

Something big just changed in my life. Do I need more life insurance?

Not necessarily. Marriage, a new child, a mortgage, a divorce, a business change or a retirement date can all change what your family needs, but a review doesn't automatically mean buying more coverage. Sometimes it means updating a beneficiary, or confirming that what you have still fits. My article on life insurance after a major life change goes through what to look at first.

Do we meet in person?

We can. I meet clients by phone, by video call, or in person in the Northern Virginia area, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. You can send a note through the contact page, book a time that suits you, or call (703) 310-9458.

What should I have ready, and what shouldn't I send?

You don't need anything ready to start; a rough idea of what prompted you is enough. When we sit down, it helps to know what you already hold, what you owe and who depends on you. Please don't put sensitive financial, medical or identity documents into the contact form. We'll go through what matters together.

I own a small business. Is that something you help with?

Yes. Business owners have questions beyond family cover: key-person cover, funding a buy-sell agreement, what happens to the company if a partner dies, and whether group health coverage is the right way to support staff. Those decisions also belong with your attorney and accountant, and insurance should support the plan they help you build rather than replace their advice.

Is what I read on this site advice for my situation?

No. Everything on this site is general information. It is not tax, legal, accounting, investment or individualized financial advice. Reading it, sending a note or booking a time doesn't make you a client. That is established only after a proper review of your situation, your acceptance, and any paperwork that's required.

General information only; not tax, legal, investment or accounting advice. Nothing on this page binds coverage or guarantees approval.